RIM Introduces New BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds With Integrated Speaker/Microphone And Roaming Capabilities For International Travelers

Java-Based BlackBerry 6710 And BlackBerry 6720 Support Voice And Data Services Operating On Global GSM/GPRS Wireless Networks

CTIA Wireless IT - Las Vegas, NV - October 16, 2002 - Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today unveiled two new data and voice-enabled BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds™, each with an integrated speaker/microphone. The new Java-based BlackBerry 6710™ and BlackBerry 6720™ each deliver email, phone, SMS, browser and organizer applications in a compact, always-on handheld. The BlackBerry 6710 is a world band handheld supporting seamless operation on GSM/GPRS networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific (900/1900 MHz frequencies). The BlackBerry 6720 is a dual band handheld operating on GSM/GPRS networks (900/1800 MHz frequencies) and allows mobile professionals to travel in Europe and Asia Pacific with one handheld.

RIM is demonstrating the world band BlackBerry 6710 this week at CTIA Wireless IT in Las Vegas (booth # 1406) where RIM's Chairman and Co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, will deliver a keynote address on the opening day.

"We continue to evolve our wireless handhelds and the BlackBerry platform to complement the increasing power of new 2.5G wireless networks worldwide," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "Early feedback from customer trials has been very enthusiastic and we believe that the BlackBerry 6710/6720 is set to become another major success with enterprise customers and further strengthen RIM's family of wireless handhelds."

BlackBerry continues to distinguish itself as the leading wireless platform for corporate customers. Specifically designed to meet the needs of both end users and IT departments, BlackBerry incorporates the industry's best hardware, software and services to provide a seamless, end-to-end solution. The BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 are the newest additions to the multifaceted BlackBerry solution and leverage RIM's advanced technologies and infrastructure together with Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and leading GSM/GPRS wireless networks to provide a compelling and seemingly effortless experience.

INTRODUCING BLACKBERRY 6710/6720 WIRELESS HANDHELDS*

Handheld Designs: The BlackBerry 6710/6720 offer always-on data operation with an integrated phone. With a palm-sized form, the BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 are sleek (4.76 x 2.99 x 0.70 inches) and lightweight (4.86 oz) with an embedded RIM wireless modem and internal high performance antenna. The handhelds each feature an easy-to-use "thumb-typing" keyboard (based on RIM's popular keyboard design), navigation trackwheel, rechargeable and removable lithium battery, large screen, intuitive interface, integrated speaker/microphone and headset jack. Both the screen and keyboard are backlit for easy reading and typing during day or night.

World Band: The BlackBerry 6710 is a world band handheld that operates on 900/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS wireless networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Mobile professionals can use one handheld to maintain wireless access to their corporate email and phone service while traveling abroad.*

Dual Band: The BlackBerry 6720 is a dual band handheld that operates on 900/1800 MHz GSM/GPRS wireless networks in Europe and Asia Pacific. Mobile professionals can use one handheld to access company information and manage communications while roaming.*

Email: RIM's advanced approach to wireless email is popular and proven with enterprise customers. BlackBerry 6710/6720 users can enjoy a secure, wireless extension to their existing enterprise mailbox. There is no need to worry about retrieving or "pulling" email since BlackBerry's "push" architecture enables email to be automatically delivered. Users can read, compose, forward, reply, file or delete messages at their convenience and synchronize their inbox and folders between their BlackBerry handheld and PC.

Phone*: The built-in, high-quality phone supports GSM voice services with optional features such as call waiting, call answer, conference calling and call forwarding. It includes an integrated speaker/microphone designed for comfort and clarity when held to the ear and a headset that attaches for convenient, hands-free conversation allowing users to read, type or retrieve information while they talk. A call management button also enables users to quickly access the phone application and turn on/off the mute feature.

SMS*: Short Messaging Service (SMS) enables short text messages to be quickly exchanged between BlackBerry 6710/6720 handhelds and other SMS-enabled devices (including cell phones) without adding email messages to an inbox. The specially designed keyboard on the BlackBerry handheld is ideal for typing SMS messages quickly.

Browser*: An increasing variety of wireless Internet services are available that allow fast access to select information on the web including news, travel, business and entertainment updates. BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 users can use the BlackBerry browser to access their carrier's content services and gateways. For organizations that deploy BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.5, the BlackBerry browser will be dual-purpose, allowing it to also access corporate data securely via the new Mobile Data Service feature of BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The BlackBerry browser supports standard WML, HTML and XML based content and HTTP/HTTPS connectivity to BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

Organizer: A full-featured connected organizer is included with calendar, address book, memo pad and task list applications for maximum productivity. With RIM's wireless calendar synchronization† features, the user's online calendar and handheld calendar can be wirelessly synchronized without need for a cradle. This enables the user to initiate, accept or decline meeting requests using their BlackBerry handheld and their online calendar will also be updated for the benefit of colleagues and assistants trying to schedule new appointments.

Application Integration: The BlackBerry 6710/6720 features exceptional software integration, making it very easy to use. A single integrated address book and inbox serve all email, voice and SMS applications. And you can even click on an email address, telephone number or URL inside a message to automatically invoke an email message, call the telephone number or connect to the URL.

Java: Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is a powerful development platform that is optimized for wireless devices and provides an industry standard programming environment for custom and commercial application development and deployment. Support for J2ME opens the BlackBerry platform to a large and growing developer community that currently includes more than three million Java developers. RIM introduced its BlackBerry Development Environment for J2ME earlier this year.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server: Thousands of companies and government organizations around the world have deployed BlackBerry Enterprise Server software behind their firewall. BlackBerry Enterprise Server supports both Microsoft® Exchange and Lotus® Domino™ environments with single mailbox integration and provides IT departments with centralized administration, end-to-end security (using Triple DES encryption), multi-network support and a powerful development platform.

BlackBerry Web Client*: In addition to the enterprise email integration option enabled by BlackBerry Enterprise Server, RIM is introducing a new web-based application called BlackBerry Web Client. It supports ISP email accounts through the POP3 protocol and allows users to access multiple existing email accounts from a single BlackBerry handheld (including a default web mail account provided with each handheld). BlackBerry Web Client appeals to customers that do not currently use Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino and also those users that wish to access a personal email account in addition to their enterprise email account. BlackBerry 6710/6720 customers can use the BlackBerry Web Client application to select their ISP accounts, access their web mail account, configure settings, define email filters and set auto signatures. Note: IT departments running BlackBerry Enterprise Server retain the ability to centrally control and implement policies on handhelds that prevent access to personal ISP accounts.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Handheld/airtime pricing and roaming services are determined by network carriers and will vary based on specific service plans. The BlackBerry 6710/6720 availability and timing may vary by country and carrier. Check with carriers for specific pricing and availability.

NOTE TO EDITORS: To download images of the new BlackBerry handhelds, plus other RIM products and corporate images, please visit: http://www.rim.com/news/kit/media/downloads/index.shtml.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry™ wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Career Opportunities: www.rim.com/careers

* Check with service providers for availability and service plans
† Requires BlackBerry Enterprise Server 2.1 or higher

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of Research In Motion Limited. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.